IGNAZ FRIEDMAN

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 95, 13 July 1927, Page 15

IGNAZ FRIEDMAN

COLbSSUS OF THE PIANO Ignaz Friedman, the famous Polish pianist, has conquered in Wellington, as he did in Sydney. Of his first Wellington concert the musical critic said: “Few, if any. in the large audience at the Town Hall last evening had previously heard Ignaz Friedman play. True, he had come with a very high reputation, but in a way he had to be taken on trust; yet he had no more than half-finished his opening number, Each’s Toccato and Fugue in X> minor, when to all present it became perfectly clear that he would realise the highest expectations in regard to his art. This first number (Epson's arrangement), Friedman treated with befitting reverence. its performance revealed Friedman as a virile, forceful player yet no wielder of sledge hammers out for sheer love of composing noises. In the quieter moments of the Fugue, as in his succeeding numbers, Friedman’s playing had all the charm of the conversation of a soft-voiced woman. His superb technique was, of course, taken for granted. Yet though never obtrusive it could not be forgotten, especially in the varied Chopin numbers; his ability to convey definite pictorial ideas was something to wonder at and enjoy,” Friedman comes to us in the prime of life. He is just 43 years of age, and at the very height of his fame. A simple announcement that he is to play in the musical centres of Europe and America is sufficient to attract a capacity audience. He is the idol of music-lovers the world over, and is aptly styled the “Colossus of the piano.” His gigantic technique, his poetic pianissimos and marvellous virtuosity causes a veritable sensation, and the great musical critic, the late James G. Hunaker, referred to a Friedman recital as a “thrilling affair.” The Auckland Society of Musicians will tender Friedman a reception in the Lyceum Club on Friday evening, when it is expected he will give a brief resume of the Beethoven Centenary Festival in Vienna last March, at which he was honoured by being selected from all the world’s pianists to play the Beethoven Concerto. Only three concerts can be given in Auckland, commencing on Saturday evening next, with subsequent concerts on Tuesday, 19th, and Thursday, 21st. The box plans for the series are now open at Lewis R. Eady and Son's, and liberal concessions are offered to teachers, music students and scholars from schools and colleges. Concession coupons may be obtained from the box office.